Whether it be in the warp, or woof; of linen, or of woollen; whether in a skin, or in any thing made of skin;

LEVITICUS 13:48KJV
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Leviticus 13:48 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 13:48 mean?

Leviticus 13:48 lists the types of materials that could be affected by a specific kind of impurity, mentioning woven or knitted items ("warp" and "woof") made of linen or wool, as well as objects made from animal skin. The verse sets out what kinds of items the priest should examine for signs of contamination.

In this section, God is giving Moses and Aaron instructions for the Israelites about how to handle cases of "leprosy" or mold—not just on people, but also on clothing and leather goods. The verse is part of a detailed set of rules for identifying and dealing with ritual impurity in the camp, showing concern for both health and ceremonial cleanliness.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 13:48

  • "warp" (שְׁתִי, sheti): This word refers to the lengthwise threads in a woven fabric. Its mention shows that even the basic components of cloth could be affected.
  • "woof" (עֵרֶב, erev): This is the crosswise thread in weaving. Including both "warp" and "woof" emphasizes that any part of a fabric, not just finished garments, could become unclean.
  • "linen" (פִּשְׁתִּים, pishtim) and "woollen" (צֶמֶר, tsemer): Naming both linen and wool makes clear that the law applies to the main types of fabric used by the Israelites, not just one or the other.
  • "skin" (עוֹר, or): This word covers animal hides used for clothing or other items. The repetition and inclusion of "anything made of skin" (מְלֶאכֶת עוֹר, melechet or) broadens the rule to all leather goods, not just garments.

Why Leviticus 13:48 matters

  • This verse clarifies that ritual impurity could affect not just people, but also everyday objects and materials, showing the thoroughness of the laws given to Israel.
  • By listing both woven and leather items, the verse highlights the practical reality of ancient life, where clothing and goods came from a variety of sources.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by setting up the kinds of items the priest would need to inspect, preparing the reader for the detailed instructions that follow about diagnosing and handling such impurities.

Where else these words appear

“warp” Hebrew H8359 · used in 9 verses

  • Leviticus 13:49 And if the plague be greenish or reddish in the garment, or in the skin, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin; it is a plague of leprosy, and shall be shewed unto the priest:
  • Leviticus 13:52 He shall therefore burn that garment, whether warp or woof, in woollen or in linen, or any thing of skin, wherein the plague is: for it is a fretting leprosy; it shall be burnt in the fire.
  • Leviticus 13:57 And if it appear still in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin; it is a spreading plague: thou shalt burn that wherein the plague is with fire.

“woof” Hebrew H6154 · used in 11 verses

  • Exodus 12:38 And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.
  • Leviticus 13:52 He shall therefore burn that garment, whether warp or woof, in woollen or in linen, or any thing of skin, wherein the plague is: for it is a fretting leprosy; it shall be burnt in the fire.
  • Leviticus 13:57 And if it appear still in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin; it is a spreading plague: thou shalt burn that wherein the plague is with fire.

“linen” Hebrew H6593 · used in 15 verses

  • Leviticus 13:47 The garment also that the plague of leprosy is in, whether it be a woollen garment, or a linen garment;
  • Joshua 2:6 But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.
  • Ezekiel 40:3 And he brought me thither, and, behold, there was a man, whose appearance was like the appearance of brass, with a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed; and he stood in the gate.

“woollen” Hebrew H6785 · used in 16 verses

  • Leviticus 13:47 The garment also that the plague of leprosy is in, whether it be a woollen garment, or a linen garment;
  • 2 Kings 3:4 And Mesha king of Moab was a sheepmaster, and rendered unto the king of Israel an hundred thousand lambs, and an hundred thousand rams, with the wool.
  • Ezekiel 27:18 Damascus was thy merchant in the multitude of the wares of thy making, for the multitude of all riches; in the wine of Helbon, and white wool.